Description: A Japanese salaryman on the train coming home after a long day's work sees a beautiful woman looking pensively from the window of a ballroom dance studio. Intrigued, he begins to take lessons at the studio and finds something he did not expect.

The 2004 U.S. production starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez, and Susan Sarandon is a charming and entertaining movie. Except for the end it pretty much tracks the original Japanese film. However, the U.S. version suffers from the fact that ballroom dancing is not frowned upon in the U.S. The disapproval of the general society gives a sense of risk and mystery to the Japanese film.

Benefits of the Movie: This film will show something about life in modern Japan and how people become entranced with dancing, in this case, ballroom dancing.

"Shall We Dance?" is inevitably compared with Strictly Ballroom. Both films are delightful and worthwhile. "Shall We Dance?" deals with the angst of maturity while "Strictly Ballroom" explores the challenges of youth. Both movies show dance as a transforming force.

QUICK DISCUSSION QUESTION: At the end of the film should Shohei have stopped dancing? What would you have him do at the end of the movie?

Suggested Response: He should have kept dancing with his wife as his partner. This way he would have integrated his dream with his life.

Helpful Background:

Japanese salarymen, i.e., office workers, usually work late and often socialize with their co-workers. Traditionally, married women stay at home. Before this film, social dancing was seen in Japan as somewhat risqué, even for married couples. This film was wildly popular in Japan. It is reported that the popularity of "Shall We Dance?" has changed somewhat the way the Japanese view social dancing.

For English Language Arts classes, distribute TWM's Film Study Worksheet. Teachers can modify the worksheet to fit the needs of each class. Ask students to fill out the worksheet as they watch the film or at the film's end.

Social-Emotional Learning Discussion Questions:

BREAKING OUT

1. One reviewer said: "[Shohei's] struggle against the slide of life has impact for all who've contemplated their own existence; his solution might not suit all, but at least Shohei makes an effort. The big question is whether you should be out there exploring a new future rather than in here absorbing yet another movie!"(Damian Cannon. Movie Reviews UK 1998) What is "the slide of life" to which Mr. Cannon refers? Do you see "the slide of life" taking hold in your parents and older relatives? Describe it. What have they done about it? What will you do about it when you begin to feel the "slide?" Suggested Response: The "slide of life" is when a person feels his potentials shutting down and he realizes that the life he has chosen is limited in some way. We all feel this, because for all of us, living life involves choosing some things and not others. For example, we will chose one profession, but not another. We will chose to have children or not to have them. We will chose to get married or not to get married. People in middle age can feel this most acutely.

MARRIAGE

2. What happens to the relationship between Shohei and his wife through the film?

3. Does Sohei's infatuation with Mai mean that he doesn't love his wife and that he should get a divorce?

Reminder to Teachers:
Obtain all required permissions from your school administration before
showing any film.

(Do what you are supposed to do; Persevere: keep on trying!; Always do your best; Use self-control; Be self-disciplined; Think before you act -- consider the consequences; Be accountable for your choices)

1. How do the various aspects of this Pillar apply to the actions of Shohei portrayed in this film?

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